She didn’t want to go at first, terrified to leave the safety of the retreat, but we convinced her it was the only way. She just had to hold on a little longer.
Before she left, she stripped herself of anything traceable—jewelry, clothes, electronic devices—and then, without anyone noticing, Tal slipped her out into the night.
Which means when the police round everyone up into the main living and dining area, they’ve got everyone except the one person they came for. Well… almost everyone.
“Is that everyone?” Park asks his team.
“Yeah, boss. Except for one guy. He’s in the outhouse.”
“Why isn’t he here?”
“We couldn’t get him to come in. He was… difficult.”
They have to be talking about Talon. Luke doesn’t even try to hide his grin.
“What the fuck!” Park barks. “Stop wasting my time and go get him.”
The officer swallows hard, nods, and heads for the door, taking two others with him. Even with three of them, I’m not convinced they’ll manage it if Tal decides he’s not moving.
“There’s supposed to be one more.” Park glances down at a list, then back up at Reid. “Where is she?”
“Where is who?”
“Amanda Barnes. I know she was here. Where is she now?”
Reid shrugs, easy, unbothered. “Clearly not here. Despite what you might think, I don’t keep my clients hostage. They’re free to come and go.”
“So where did she go?”
“I don’t know. She must have checked herself out while I was busy. Usually we give people a proper send-off—dinner, conversation—but she didn’t say anything. Some guests don’t stay in touch.”
“Do you have a number for her?”
“That’s confidential.”
“We’re investigating a crime. Confidentiality doesn’t apply.”
Reid lets out a long, measured sigh. “Are you going to arrest me if I don’t give it to you?”
“You bet your sweet ass I will.”
Reid sighs again. “In that case, the information is in my office. But I want it on record I’m only giving it to you under duress. Follow me.”
Park studies him for a moment. “Any drugs on the premises?”
“Did you find any?”
“Not yet. But we can always look harder. Starting with searching everyone here.”
The threat lands, heavy and deliberate.
My grip tightens on Reid’s hand before I can stop it.
“There are no drugs or unregistered weapons here,” Reid says calmly. “You’re welcome to check. Just so we’re clear—if anything appears that wasn’t here before, we’ll know.”
“Are you accusing us of something?” Park snaps.
“No,” Reid replies mildly. “Just clarifying. Our security system records everything. Constant uploads, full coverage. No blind spots.” He smiles faintly. “Just in case that matters.”